Overcoming a rocky start after the All-Star break, the Boston Red Sox are on a hot streak, having won four consecutive games and six of their last seven. This successful run has propelled them into second place in the AL East, leapfrogging the New York Yankees for both the divisional spot and the top American League Wild Card position.
On Sunday, Boston will aim for a three-game series sweep against the Houston Astros. The series has so far been highlighted by a walk-off victory on Friday, courtesy of Roman Anthony, and a Saturday win powered by home runs from Romy Gonzalez, Trevor Story, and Abraham Toro.
Right-hander Lucas Giolito will take the mound for Boston, looking to continue his remarkable mid-season turnaround. After a difficult start against the Angels on June 4 pushed his ERA to 6.42, Giolito has been dominant, posting a 6-1 record with a 2.17 ERA over his last nine starts. His most recent outing was a one-run, six-inning performance against the Minnesota Twins.
The Astros will counter with left-hander Framber Valdez in an effort to avoid the sweep. Valdez is enjoying an excellent season, boasting an 11-4 record and a 2.62 ERA. Houston hopes he can stop the skid for a team that recently reacquired star shortstop Carlos Correa at the trade deadline.
Game Information
- Time: 11:35 a.m.
- TV/Radio: Roku, WEEI-FM 93.7
Lineups
- ASTROS (62-49): Peña SS, Altuve DH, Sanchez RF, Correa 3B, Walker 1B, Diaz C, Trammell CF, Dubon LF, Urias 2B
- RED SOX (61-51): Refsnyder DH, Bregman 3B, Anthony LF, Gonzalez 2B, Story SS, Rafaela CF, Toro 1B, Abreu RF, Wong C
Pitching Matchup
- HOUSTON: LHP Framber Valdez (11-4, 2.62 ERA)
- BOSTON: RHP Lucas Giolito (7-2, 3.80 ERA)
Notes
- Despite his recent success, Giolito has historically struggled against Houston, holding a 2-6 record with a 5.94 ERA in nine career starts. Conversely, Valdez has performed well against Boston, with a 3-1 record, a 1.96 ERA, and 24 strikeouts across 23 innings in his career.
- The Astros are looking to reverse a recent slump, having lost seven of their last nine games. The team’s offense has struggled in key situations, stranding 14 runners and going 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position on Saturday.
- Dustin May, recently acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers, was initially slated to start Sunday. His Red Sox debut has been pushed to Wednesday against the Kansas City Royals.
- Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena is expected to return to the lineup Sunday after being held out of Saturday’s game with a cramp that occurred Friday, his first game back from the injured list.
